12 Days China Tour to Chongqing, Zhangjiajie and Changsha

Touch down in Chongqing, a city where modernity meets rugged terrain. After a warm pickup and smooth transfer to your hotel, spend the day at leisure. Wander through bustling streets, savor local snacks like spicy hotpot, or admire the city’s iconic architecture—think towering skyscrapers juxtaposed with ancient alleyways. As the sun sets, soak in Chongqing’s vibrant energy, gearing up for an unforgettable journey ahead in this dynamic metropolis.

Dive into Chongqing’s soul with a day of cultural and urban exploration. Start at Ciqikou Ancient Town, a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty gem, where cobblestone streets lead to ancient temples and traditional teahouses. Next, explore the Three Gorges Museum to uncover regional history, then ride the Line 2 Light Rail through a 11-story building at Liziba Station—a surreal 山城 (mountain city) experience! Stroll through E’ling Park, a revamped historical printing factory turned art hub, before ending the day at Hongya Cave. Marvel at its stilt-house architecture glowing against the night sky, with the Yangtze River as your backdrop. A day of contrasts and captivating sights!

Embark on a day blending history and adrenaline. Walk the Mountain City Footpath, a scenic trail weaving through old-world neighborhoods and lush greenery, offering glimpses of Chongqing’s layered past. Visit the Huguang Guild Hall, a stunning complex showcasing Ming-Qing architecture and immigrant history. Wander Longhaomen Old Street, where over 200 heritage buildings tell stories of millennia gone by. Cap it off with a thrilling ride on the Yangtze River Cable Car, soaring above the water for panoramic views of the city’s dramatic skyline. A day of discovery from ground to sky!

Hop on a bullet train to Huaihua, then transfer to Fenghuang Ancient Town, a 300-year-old gem dubbed “China’s Most Beautiful Ancient Town” by Rewi Alley. Glide along the Tuojiang River by boat, admiring riverside stilt houses (Diaojiaolou) that seem frozen in time. Explore the town’s cobblestone lanes, browse local crafts, and visit the Changtanggang Reservoir, a serene spot blending nature and culture. As evening falls, let Fenghuang’s lantern-lit streets and Miao ethnic charm sweep you off your feet. A day of tranquility and timeless beauty!

Depart Fenghuang for a day of cultural discovery and stunning vistas. First, explore Qianzhou Ancient City, a millennia-old hub of Miao politics and trade, where ancient walls and traditional architecture whisper tales of the past. Next, venture into Dehang Miao Village, a hidden gem surrounded by dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and primeval forests—perfect for hiking and soaking in nature’s grandeur. En route to Furong Town, stop at Aizhai Village, a scenic area blending natural wonders and ethnic culture. End the day in Furong Town, famed for its waterfall-backed stilt houses and 2,000 years of history. A day of adventure and authentic ethnic charm!

Start the day in Furong Town, an ancient settlement nicknamed “Millennium Town Hanging Over a Waterfall.” Wander its mossy  (stone pathways), marvel at Tujia stilt houses cascading over roaring waterfalls, and soak in 2,000 years of history. Next, journey to the Redstone Forest, a unique Cambrian-era geological marvel—explore vibrant red karst formations shaped over 500 million years, a testament to nature’s artistry. End the day in Zhangjiajie, gearing up for the natural wonders that await. A day of ancient towns and prehistoric landscapes!

Soar to new heights on Tianmen Mountain via the world’s longest cable car (7,455m), offering jaw-dropping views of the “99-Bend Sky Road.” Walk the thrilling Glass Skywalk clinging to cliff edges, then take an elevator to Tianmen Cave, a colossal natural arch high in the mountains. Later, glide across Baofeng Lake, dubbed the “Jade Mirror of the World,” surrounded by emerald peaks and cascading waterfalls. End the day at the 72 Superb Building, a towering stilt-structure Guinness World Record holder, where vibrant night markets and cultural displays await. A day of adrenaline, serenity, and architectural marvels!

Venture into the heart of Zhangjiajie National Park, starting with a visit to Yellow Stone Village. Ascend to its 1,200m summit for panoramic views of sandstone peaks piercing the sky—ideal for sunrise photography. Then, embark on a leisurely hike along the Golden Whip Stream, meandering through lush valleys where clear waters reflect towering "natural skyscrapers." Keep an eye out for wildlife as you soak in the park’s serene beauty, a UNESCO site that inspired "Avatar's" Hallelujah Mountains. A day of nature at its most awe-inspiring!

Take a cable car to Tianzi Mountain, where iconic formations like “Warrior Taming Horse Rock” and the “Western Sea” of peaks await—each sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Transfer to Yuanjiajie, the legendary Avatar filming site, and stand eye-level with the floating Hallelujah Mountains at the “First Bridge Under Heaven.”Descend via the Bailong Elevator, a record-breaking glass elevator offering dizzying views of the quartz sandstone cliffs. A day immersed in otherworldly landscapes that blend fantasy and geological wonder!

Test your courage on the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world’s longest (430m) and highest (300m) glass span, offering heart-pounding views of the gorge below. Later, explore the Huanglong Cave, a subterranean marvel of stalactites and underground rivers, showcasing 500 million years of karst evolution. As evening arrives, take a high-speed train to Changsha, where vibrant city lights and Hunanese hospitality await. A day of adrenaline, natural artistry, and seamless travel!

Discover Changsha’s rich heritage starting with Orange Island, a scenic islet on the Xiang River featuring the imposing Mao Zedong Youth Art Sculpture. Hike Yuelu Mountain, a sacred peak blending Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist sites, and explore Yuelu Academy, one of China’s oldest and best-preserved ancient universities. Wander through ancient halls and moss-covered steles, feeling centuries of scholarly legacy. End the day at Tianxin Pavilion, a Ming Dynasty landmark offering panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Changsha’s wartime history. Cap it off with a vibrant Changsha nightscape, savoring the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Bid farewell to Changsha as you’re transferred to the airport for your journey home. Whether you’re leaving with photos of glass bridges, boat rides on misty rivers, or moments spent marveling at UNESCO sites, this tour promises lasting memories. Until next time, let China’s beauty stay with you!